Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“I don’t mind at all,” Jackson said, his gaze steady.
Emily turned toward him and slowly smiled, her feet back under her. At least she understood why Jackson wanted her in town. “However, I’m also taking my other job quite seriously.”
He turned to face her more fully. His presence seemed to expand in the enclosed space, the wild scent of wolf lingering between them. “What do you mean?”
Emily clasped her hands loosely in her lap, suppressing a grin. “I have made contact with several single female Alphas who are interested in settling down with a pack. They’ll be arriving soon to meet you.” She let her smile loose. “I fully intend to play matchmaker, Jackson.”
Chapter 7
Jackson pressed his palm against Emily’s lower back as he escorted her inside the building. The woman wore dark jeans, shiny brown boots, and a light green sweater beneath a leather jacket that made her look fresh and sexy as hell.
City Hall was spacious and impressive, with polished granite walls that gleamed beneath the warm glow of the wrought-iron chandeliers. The floor was a mosaic of dark slate and lighter granite tiles arranged in a pattern that echoed the mountains surrounding the town. Antique mining tools—pickaxes, lanterns, and rusted helmets—were displayed in glass cases along one wall, a tribute to the pack’s history. Vintage photographs of miners at work lined the opposite wall, their sepia tones lending a sense of legacy to the space.
“My office is up here.” Jackson steered her toward a broad staircase of granite steps that curved elegantly to the second floor. The wooden handrail had been worn smooth from years of use, and the hint of pine and stone lingered in the air.
“This is a nice building.” Emily’s fingers trailed lightly along the polished banister.
Jackson couldn’t suppress the flicker of pride warming his chest. He also had the oddest urge to be a banister. “Thanks.”
They reached the top landing, which opened to a wide hallway lined with three offices. Jackson led her to the middle one and knocked lightly before stepping inside. The smell of flowers assaulted him. “Raya, I’d like you to meet Emily Nightsom.”
Raya pushed away from the bookshelf and Thane, her face flushed. “Um, Thane was just checking in on the, um, supplies for the south tunnel.”
Thane grinned and leaned against the wall. Jackson’s best friend had been dating Raya for months, although the female always seemed to deny it. “Seriously?”
Jackson shook his head, his gaze caught on the numerous bouquets behind Raya’s desk on her credenza. “I couldn’t care less if you two date, but if you break up, don’t be assholes. I need you both.” He looked down at Emily. “This is Raya Ashthorne, who runs the pack, and Thane Stormridge, who’s in charge of schedules, security, and some of the finances.” Plus, he was Jackson’s oldest friend.
Thane gave a half bow. He was nearly seven feet tall and lean with an impressive brain. “It’s nice to meet you, Emily.” He strode toward the door. “I need to install new security cameras this morning since the older ones were hacked and melted. I’ll see you later tonight after my patrol, Raya.” Then he disappeared.
Raya stood behind her desk, smoothing her blouse before stepping forward with an extended hand. “All of these flowers behind me are for you from pack members.” Her dark eyes reflected a mix of curiosity and disbelief. “It’s very nice to meet you. I understand you’re going to help Jackson find a mate?”
Emily’s smile didn’t waver. “That’s the plan,” she replied smoothly, her eyes flicking toward Jackson, who fought the urge to roll his shoulders. Had she been serious? He couldn’t quite tell, and the uncertainty irritated him. “I’d love to speak with you about your university program and any other modernization initiatives. Our pack is a bit behind, and I’d appreciate your insight.”
Raya’s smile brightened. “That sounds wonderful. I’d be happy to discuss all of our programs.”
Jackson interjected before Emily could answer. “Not tonight. It has been a long day.”
“Okay. We’ll find a time.” Raya reached for her notepad. “For now, I’ve already arranged for you to stay in the hotel penthouse, and I can have all of these bouquets sent over.”
Jackson winced. “It smells like a funeral home. There are too many of them.”
“Thank you for the reservation.” Emily smiled politely, though she shot Jackson a sideways glance. “The flowers are lovely, but they are a bit overwhelming. I don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings.”
Jackson shoved down an inexplicable pang of irritation. It wasn’t as if he’d planned for Emily to stay at his place, but somehow, the thought of her alone at the hotel felt wrong. Shaking off the feeling, he gestured toward the door. “I’ll take you and your luggage over once we’re finished here.”
Raya tapped her notepad. “If you want, I can have the bouquets taken to the closest hospital, about an hour away. Pack members will appreciate that you want to brighten the day of others, even humans.”